Animal welfare: New helpline launched as confused Scots persist in calling the RSPCA

One of Scotland's leading animal welfare charities will launch a campaign tomorrow to raise its profile after a survey found that most Scots don't know it exists.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed in Edinburgh in 1869 but 60 per cent of Scots say that they would call the RSPCA to report a distressed animal, unaware that the organisation operates only in England and Wales.

Now the SSPCA is to open a new emergency helpline, 03000 999 999, to increase awareness of its work and help to avoid any confusion about who to call in a crisis.

'Most people who call the RSPCA eventually track us down but in an emergency the time lost doing so can be critical for the animal involved,' said Stuart Earley, the charity's chief executive.

Mike Flynn, the SSPCA's chief superintendent, said: 'Too many cases of horrific cruelty to animals go unreported in Scotland. Our dedicated inspectors track down as many offenders as they can but very often we need people to come forward with information.

'This could be the difference between a defenceless animal living or dying and the person responsible going to court or walking free.'